Tag: Rating–five pints out of five

The Prenup Pub (website, Twitter)
191 College Street, Toronto ON M5T 1P9 (on the south side, between Henry Street and Beverley Street, the nearest major intersection is University Avenue and College Street) 416-506-4040Google Maps

Being classy on College Street.

This pub used to be Molly Bloom’s, the embodiment of the student hangout. Molly Bloom’s was in dire need of an upgrade back in 2012, so I was not surprised when it was closed down shortly after my visit and became Pour Girl, which I never got around to reviewing. Then, in late 2014, Pour Girl evolved into the Prenup Pub. When I reviewed Molly Bloom’s, I was probably the oldest person in the pub by 15 years! For this visit to the Prenup Pub, it was practically the reverse. My companion and I were surrounded by lunching professors and gaggles of public service minions. I think I saw a handful of students in the two hours or so we spent there. We were there as it was the opening of the Trinity College book sale, so what better excuse than to check out a pub!

Perhaps, in an attempt to erase the lingering stains of Molly Bloom’s, the Prenup Pub has dark wood panelling, gorgeous light fixtures, and faux leather seats of various heights. The civilized atmosphere of the renovated pub confides its student dive heritage firmly to fleeting memory. Perhaps the only drawbacks are the too-small tables and the chairs which are slightly uncomfortable. The Prenup Pub is designed with different seating configurations in mind, so large groups can be accommodated (there is also a private party room available upstairs) as well as couples. There is also a replica of the famed Manneken Pis fountain that greets one as one enters and there are fountains outside as well.

Number of visits by yours truly: my first, but not my last on a weekday afternoon in October 2016TTC information: just a six-minute walk west of Queen’s Park StationBooze selection: very extensive, with approximately 130 beers including his lordship’s favourite, Leffe Brune, and several ciders, such as Rekorderlig, Cornish Gold, Strongbow, Thornbury, Somersby, and Schöfferhofer GrapefruitFood selection: limited, but fancyService staff: very friendlyPrices: expensiveToilets: nicePatio: on the street facing northWheelchair accessible: no, steps at front. The patio is also not accessibleTelevisions: none that we could seeLive music: nopePiped-in music: Mr. Bowie’s “Heroes”

The Wickson Social (website, Twitter)
5 St. Joseph Street, Toronto ON M4Y 0B6 (on the south side, between Yonge Street and St Nicholas Street, the nearest major intersection is Yonge Street and Wellesley Street) 647-748-1501Google Maps

Another jewel in the crown of Toronto’s pubs.

Opened in late 2015, the Wickson Social is part of the expanding pub empire that began with the Queen and Beaver and grew with the Oxley. The three pubs have much in common, such as a focus on the menu and an upscale approach to the pub experience, however, the Wickson Social is more modern and more international with its menu than its sister pubs. The Wickson Social has mirrors on the ceiling (which can be a bit of a shock if you aren’t use to seeing yourself — or your dining companion — from that angle), a huge picture printed on fabric of wild animals in clothing, comfy seats that will probably pay for themselves with the change found between the deep seat cushions at the end of a long night, and tall ceilings that add an air of sophistication to the rooms.

The Wickson Social was named after Frank Wickson, the Toronto-based architect who designed the century-old building where the Wickson Social is located, as well as the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church on St Clair Avenue West and the IOOF Hall at the north-west corner of Yonge Street and College Street. The pub also offers room service to the tenants in the building (so I might be moving soon).

Number of visits by yours truly: two so far, most recently on a weekend evening in September 2016TTC information: just a three-minute walk (a block north) of Wellesley StationBooze selection: approximately 25 beers with Spirit Tree, Empire Hard, and West Avenue ciders (they have Pimm’s). They also have a variety of cocktails availableFood selection: very fancy end of pub grub, fortunately they have the delicious ice cream that both the Queen and Beaver and the Oxley have. The second time we were there we were given a free mini appetizer of watermelon cubes with sea salt and mint (I think), it was yummy!Service staff: goodPrices: very expensive, with modest proportions, but worth it for the most partToilets: clean and very redPatio: yes, on the north sideWheelchair accessible: yesTelevisions: one in the party room, which called the NestLive music: very unlikely notPiped-in music: Michael Jackson, Daft Punk

I live in East York and my neighbourhood is bereft of pubs. One can swing a multitude of dead cats without hitting anything coming close to a pub (as a cat lover I use that only as a phrase, and certainly not as a suggestion). As a result, this review might be coloured by my enthusiasm for finding a watering hole of a calibre above that of “dive” or “rib house”. Morgans on the Danforth was recommended by someone who knows of my weakness from where the fount of this blog was launched. Fortunately we erred towards hope, instead of experience, and decided to check the pub out one evening. We liked it so much that we went back for our wedding anniversary meal a few weeks later.

On our most recent visit, Morgans on the Danforth was so popular that we were lucky to get a seat and it was a Monday evening, not the most popular of evenings for a pub visit. The pub features exposed brick and plush leather seats. One might be lucky enough to score one of the booths, which according to its website, have their own air-conditioning outlets, but slow-turning fans aerated the rest of the pub. There is a raised area at the back, which affords some privacy, so you might be lucky enough to reserve that for your group. The only drawback to the pub is the square plates; my utensils (yes, I do use them) kept falling into my food as they slipped along the edge.

Number of visits by yours truly: my second, most recently on a weekday evening in July 2013TTC information: Greenwood Station, mere metres on the Danforth from the stationBooze selection: 12 beers, including Waupoos cider (they have Pimm’s). They also have a wine listFood selection: the fancier and eclectic end of pub grub, such as cheese platters and charcuterie. Be warned that brunch at Morgans is popular with the older set. Apparently, Morgans also does catering. The menu is also onlineService staff: very friendlyPrices: expensiveToilets: not badPatio: tiny one to the south of building on the Danforth, but the front window features an up-and-over doorWheelchair accessible: toilets are certainly not accessibleTelevisions: one over the barLive music: sometimesPiped-in music: nondescript

The Town Crier (website)
115 John Street, Toronto ON M5V 2E2 (on the east side, between Nelson Street and Adelaide Street West, the nearest major intersection is Richmond Street West and University Avenue) 416-204-9588Google Maps

A delightful pub close to Queen Street West and the Theatre District!

I must admit I have become a little jaded when it comes to pubs, which is not surprising given my mandate to seek out new pubs and new taverns, to boldly go where no TorontoPubs blogger has gone before, and to report weekly. I am starting to visit pubs I have previously avoided as it feels a little like I am running out of unreviewed pubs. So it’s rather nice to go to a new pub and feel a little of that ol’ pub sparkle.

The Town Crier was better than expected for a number of reasons apart from my check list below — dark red walls with gilt crown mouldings, dark wood panelling, lovely light fixtures, and (warm) leatherette chairs. The only criticisms I have of the pub, apart from the situation in the ladies’ toilet (see below), is that the tables are very small, so that it felt a little cramped and that there is no air conditioning, however, they have tonnes of fans, so they do their best to make their patrons comfortable. We will be back.

Note, this pub is owned by the same people who run the Village Idiot Pub and Sin & Redemption and there is a large upstairs area, which can be reserved as a private party room.

Number of visits by yours truly: my first, but not my last on a weekday evening in September 2012TTC information: a seven-minute walk west and south from Osgoode Station or west and north from St. Andrew StationBooze selection: almost 100 beers from around the world, including Leffe Brune and four ciders — Somersby, Thornby, Sir Perry, and Blackthorn (no Pimm’s)Food selection: German focus with a twist (which was rather nice for my better half who had just come from the Fatherland and was pining for the cuisine)Service staff: very goodPrices: not bad for the size of the servingsToilets: unfortunately, the toilets were very messy on my most recent visit (2012.11.11). The ladies’ toilet stall on the outside wall might be best to avoid when the window is open as the person using the stall might give a show to the people who live across the way. Just saying…Patio: west-facing Hooters, for some this might be considered a bonusWheelchair accessible: nopeTelevisions: noneLive music: nopePiped-in music: Feist, Neil Young

Bellwoods Brewery (website, Twitter)
124 Ossington Avenue, Toronto ON M6J 2Z5(on the west side, between Foxley Street and Argyle Street, the nearest major intersection is Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue) 416-535-4586Google Maps

Microbrewery and fancy restaurant — perfect for a date or two!

The Bellwoods Brewery was first learned of by my better half and we decided to go there one evening as he didn’t want to cook and I didn’t want to go home. I arrived first and got a decent seat inside right next to the behind-glass on-site brewery. The chairs are mismatched and the table weather-beaten, this is on purpose as the place has only been around since April 2012. The menu was a little confusing as it was posted on the wall as just “cheese plate” and “meat plate” with prices. Fortunately, our waitress knew what was on each and was good with recommending various pints for us.

By the time we left, there was a lineup of six or seven people waiting for us to leave the Bellwoods Brewery and it was only a Tuesday evening. However, as there are only 40 seats inside — and 40 on the patio — I shouldn’t be that surprised. The pub has an excellent location as the TTC stops right in front of it, so it gets free exposure every six minutes or so most weekend evenings.

Number of visits by yours truly: my first, but not my last, on a weekday evening in July 2012TTC information: a seven-minute ride south from Ossington Station or a 15-minute ride west on the Dundas Streetcar from Dundas Station and then a four-minute walk southBooze selection: 26 beers, including Spirit Tree and Sir Perry ciders. Tasters are available (no Pimm’s)Food selection: simple menu, such as “cheese plate,” but fancy food such as duck heartsService staff: knowledgeablePrices: if you are hungry you will pay a lotToilets: nice, one upstairs and one downstairsPatio: east facing and large (seats about 40)Wheelchair accessible: there is a toilet on the ground floor, but I don’t know if it’s large enough for a wheelchair, the rest of the pub was very tight for a wheelchairTelevisions: no, hallelujahLive music: “eventually”Piped-in music: new wavy country/Rolling Stones

The Oxley (website)
121 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto ON M5R 1C4 (on the south side, between Avenue Road and Bellair Street, just west of Old York Lane) 647-348-1300Google Maps

A charming pub in Toronto’s trendy Yorkville.

What a lovely pub! The only thing wrong with The Oxley is the location, I am not a fan of oh-so-trendy Yorkville, but then again, you can’t have everything. From the William Morris-inspired wallpaper and the Cruikshank-like mural of a hunting party downstairs to the chairs upstairs that look so comfortable and the framed prints that appear like they might be from Punch, the details of this recently opened establishment make a pub fan with a penchant for interior decorating weak at the knees.

The Oxley was named after Frank Oxley, a regular at the Queen and Beaver, which is the Oxley’s sister pub. (I aspire too to have a pub, a classy one like this, named after me.) The two pubs have much in common, such as the eclectic British menu with homemade ice creams and Pheasant and Goose Liver Polony with Fine Beans on offer, and the charm that comes from being founded by pub lovers. Writing this review is making me want to go back to The Oxley.

Number of visits by yours truly: two so far, most recently on a weekday evening in June 2012TTC information: just two blocks north of Bay StationBooze selection: 19 beers at present with Thornbury and Spirit Tree ciders and more than 30 wines (they have Pimm’s)Food selection: fancy and yummy, the menus are online. (The Welsh rarebit was a disappointment as I was expecting melted cheese on my toast, instead I got a kind of gravy, which was tasty, but not what I traditionally know as a Welsh rarebit)Service staff: goodPrices: very expensive, but worth it for the most partToilets: downstairs and upstairs, the latter for the ladies is lovely, I think it might be as close to perfect as one can get (sadly, the upstairs men’s is just nice and unfortunately for the ladies there is only one toilet in the toilet). My grandmother would approve!Patio: small one at the front, perfect for people watching in Yorkville, and a larger one at the backWheelchair accessible: noTelevisions: none!Live music: I don’t think soPiped-in music: nondescript

After the shattering disappointment of McCarthy’s (since closed) earlier that afternoon, I was in search of a better pub, a pub that would restore my faith. After wandering through Little India, which was not surprisingly devoid of pubs, we trekked westward in the on-and-off-again rain and. Then, like a lighthouse’s beacon in a storm, we saw the sign for McGugan’s. Salvation and redemption!

McGugan’s is an upscale pub, the kind that you could take someone to on a first date. It features nice wooden floors, with dining room chairs and booths for four, and is open until two seven nights a week (it says late on the website, so perhaps it changes due to demand). At first, we sat in the front of the pub on stools with the narrow drink rail, but after looking at the menu, which features some tasty Old World treats, like black pudding and haggis, we moved to the back so we could order a meal instead. We liked McGugan’s so much that we went back there for the Euro Cup’s England vs. Italy game. Note there is an upstairs, but it’s very small.

Number of visits by yours truly: twice so far and more to come, most recently on a Sunday afternoon in June 2012TTC information: a 17-minute ride east from College Station on the Gerrard Street East streetcar or a 10-minute ride south on the Jones bus from Donlands StationBooze selection:11 beers with Waupoos cider on tap (yes, they have Pimm’s)Food selection: Scottish focus, I ordered haggis and black puddingService staff: goodPrices:a little expensive, but worth itToilets:could have been cleaner, but I’ve seen a lot worse. The toilets themselves were rather cramped and the men’s didn’t have paper towels the entire time we were therePatio:upstairs and under construction as of early June 2012Wheelchair accessible: nopeTelevisions:two and a big screen for sporting eventsLive music: nopePiped-in music: Eurythmics, Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC

“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.” Samuel Johnson

“‘Tis my intention, gentle sir, to perish in a tavern.” Unknown, 13th century

“As I never refuse a small expence for the sake of a merry companion, we instantly adjourned to a neighbouring alehouse, and, in a few moments, had a frothing tankard, and a smoaking steak spread on the table before us. It is impossible to express how much the sight of such good cheer improved my companion’s vivacity.” Oliver Goldsmith

“Alcohol makes other people less tedious, and food less bland.” Christopher Hitchens

“There cannot be good living where there is not good drinking.” Benjamin Franklin

“I suddenly realize that, of all the buildings in the world — art galleries and hospitals and libraries and good homes — pubs are the best kind of buildings.” Caitlin Moran